Crafting is fun for all ages and interests. This blog evolved from researching resources for friends and articles I write as a freelance writer. It is a place to share the information I discovered. Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am always looking at new projects ideas for family and friends in areas of my own abilities and theirs.
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I wanted to crochet Easter eggs this year for my own decorations and to give to family for safe holiday decorations for younger children and pretty decorations for older ones. I looked at several of the free patterns listed in the Easter resources, but most I found were for the Easter egg covers.

I tried several patterns from the Internet and books and eventually settled on the egg pattern found in Amigurumi World. The pattern was quick and easy to follow. I chose to use up some left over variegated yarn. I had cotton yarn left over from dishcloth projects and worsted weight yarn from winter projects. The pattern in the book uses white worsted yarn. I wanted striped eggs. Those who like single colored eggs might choose yarn in colors that suit their decorative style.

The reaction for those given so far has been positive. I made up a half a dozen to decorate the house here as well mailing or giving close to a dozen. They really work up quickly and it is fun to see how the variegated yarn takes shape in the egg pattern.

These pictures are my property and may not be reused without written permission.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I promised to post pictures of the projects that I have been discussing. Unfortunately, my Barbie St. Patrick's Day outfit seemed to have gotten lost in the digital memory. I made a crochet skirt and top with the same top hot for both my nieces. Thinking it was safe, I mailed off the actual outfits.

My Mom knitted this outfit for several relatives and young friends to celebrate the holiday. She gave me one to send to my niece on my husband's side. This picture did survive the digital delete.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Mom was far more organized than I after Christmas this year. I just started learning to knit and crochet at the end of summer. I finished several projects for Christmas, but was not prepared for Valentine's day as I had hoped to be for doll's clothes. My only contribution to the outfit was the hat from the same book.

Mom whipped up Barbie outfits for relatives' and friends' kids. This outfit is from the book listed below. I have found it at several libraries. Mom was generous enough to make an extra outfit to share with a young relative on my DH's side of the family. I grabbed a photo of Barbie in her Valentine's outfit before shipping it off.

I retain rights to all my photographs and they are not for reuse without my permission.

Monday, March 8, 2010

The pictures of the current projects are at least on the camera and now merely need to be moved to the computer for uploading. Digital photography and I are at our infancy stages. At some point, I want the point and click camera. DH wanted the launch the space shuttle version so that is what we purchased. Therefore, I am continuing to use borrowed photographs.

I have fallen in love with Annie's Attic's Fun Time Bath Mitts. I believe it is currently on clearance the website. I made St. Patrick’s Day Bears for my niece and nephew that will be mailed today. I have an Easter Bunny and Easter Duck to send them next month along with other projects I will post about later. I love the fact the patterns are easy and fun to make and have a practical use when they are finished. I know the niece and nephew will love the puppets and Mom will love the fact that it encourages them to get clean in the tub. I am already considering how to incorporate the patterns into holiday themes. The patterns use the dishcloth yarn so I have been hitting the local craft sales at Michaels and AC Moore that have been competing to keep the price close to $1.25 a skein.

I also crocheted St. Patrick’s Day outfits for the nieces’ Barbie dolls. I have been hunting for vintage and current patterns that utilize sports yarn, as I am nowhere near able to crochet with thread at this point. I keep practicing, but my efforts have not achieved success at this point. I finished off the outfits with St. Patrick’s top hats found at Michaels.

For the baby in the crowd, I used a rattle pattern found in Amigurumi Two! My donut shape needs some work. I hope to improve my style as I found a free stackable pattern on Joann Fabrics I want to complete by Christmas. It looks like the plastic round ring stackable toy, but done in crochet. It is nice to have goals.

For those of you looking for free St. Patrick's Day Patterns please see the following blog links: